It’s called Reformer Pilates, and it’s a lot of (sometimes hard) fun. 

Reformer Pilates uses moves you may be familiar with in a Mat based class, but where Mat Pilates relies on body weight resistance,  Reformer adds spring resistance to tone and strengthen muscles. Results tend to show far sooner with Reformer. It is great for rehabilitation, strengthening and toning  (and weight loss too with the addition of the cardio ‘jump board’)

Incidentally, it’s fun and enjoyable too, which is no small feat when it comes to pushing your body to its limits.  

What is Reformer Pilates?   Pilates has actually been around for quite a while.  A Reformer looks like a rowing machine, but rather than a small seat, there’s a bigger, cushioned space for you to lie down on – this is called the ‘carriage’.  Instead of pulling your weight forward with a handle on a rowing machine, there are weighted springs, arm and leg straps, and pulleys that you use to move the carriage backwards and forwards.  While the Reformer may look a bit scary, its not at all. The carriage is connected to the weighted springs to provide resistance, and you can remove and add weight depending on your strength and abilities. Sometimes, working with much lighter weight can be more difficult than with the heavier ones.  You’ll have to try it to see ! It may look like a torturous contraption, but the machine can be used in many different ways to provide some killer workouts (pun intended), resulting in body control and rock solid abs that support your spine correctly.

The Benefits of Reformer 

• Help to reduce pain and stiffness. • Help improve mobility and function • Self-empowerment to control pain  • Improve movement and function in everyday life • Improve mood and reduce depression by improving confidence and ability • Greater muscle strength and endurance -improves physical ability • Increased mobility and flexibility with better posture and movement quality • Reduction in stress levels, improved sleep patterns • Improve function of the lungs and circulation  • Help improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles • Reduce recovery time after injury or illness • Provide an excellent start for those who are deconditioned or new to exercise • 1:1  for individual help and attention 

In addition to a strong and sculpted body,  Reformer Pilates will improve postural issues that result from modern day lifestyle factors.  Joseph Pilates created the Reformer machines to allow people to move organically – the way the body should move. The Reformer can help fix the incorrect movement patterns that our bodies have become so used to doing (a byproduct of desk jobs, iPhones, driving, laptops). The human body is complex;  the brain, the muscles and the bones must all work as one. However, it is a master of adaptation in compensating behaviour when the body systems are not working as a team. The body uses compensation patterns to perform motions when strength and mobility in muscles are insufficient and unable to properly move a joint through a range of motion, also when there is a restriction within a joint that does not allow the joint to move freely, regardless of muscular strength.

Compensation patterns will only work for so long before something breaks down. The weakest link in the kinetic chain often ends up suffering an injury or pain.  If you can listen to your body and correct it with Pilates, you can help prevent injury. Reformer work helps recruit and activate the correct muscles to improve posture, strengthen the core and build an all around stronger bod, thus reducing pain levels.  You’ll also improve your flexibility, may see weight loss results and develop long, lean muscles that burn more calories. With regular and sustained practice people can expect to see their body re-shape, leaving them feeling stronger, healthier and energised.

But wait, there’s more. If you do Reformer Pilates you are likely to have a healthier life – long term.  I have seen many people who have started with me with long-term chronic lower back, shoulder, foot, hip and knee issues, and it’s been alleviated or is now completely better since starting Pilates.  With the Reformer the results are even quicker than with Matwork, partly because you simply cannot ‘cheat’. You are held in mostly supported positions so your body is in the correct alignment to tone, tighten and move that body as you should.  

Who can do Reformer pilates?  If you’re wondering if you need to be super fit, don’t worry,  almost anyone can participate – just be sure to inform me beforehand of any concerns.

There aren’t really any restrictions on who can do Reformer Pilates although as the machine does sit just a few inches from the floor the ability to get down onto the floor is necessary. 

Most Pilates exercises can be adapted by me to individual needs, considering any injuries and physical limitations.  The advantage of the 1:1 sessions means that a bespoke and individual programme will be created for you alone. The original Reformer machine was created by Joseph Pilates by attaching springs to beds so that soldiers could start to tone muscles while still bed-bound.  Reformers are now used in some Physiotherapist clinics as a very effective tool in their rehabilitation of injuries; correcting movement imbalances, re-aligning posture and as a low-impact, non cardio form of exercise.

Spinesafe Reformer Pilates and how it differs from Classical Pilates 

The original works of Joseph Pilates were years ahead of the times, but whilst the principles of Pilates are still valid, some of the exercises are not  suitable for many, especially for those with specific spinal conditions or other injuries. Spinesafe Pilates is a more contemporary training approach in its exercise content, ensuring that those with specific medical conditions can exercise safely and effectively.

Why do I love Reformer Pilates?  In my role as a Pilates Teacher I’ve tried a few cool things (and of course, I just love Mat classes – I have benefited so much from them  in keeping me injury free and with a strong immune system – I’m rarely ill) but one of the best things I’ve done is the ‘Spinesafe’ Reformer training.   Before doing so, I thought that a Reformer was just for the rehabilitation of injuries. My assumptions were very wrong ! ( in the same way that people who prefer ‘intense’ exercise say,  ‘Pilates? ‘it’s just stretching on a mat eh?’ ) Nope. While Reformer can definitely rehabilitate injuries, as was Pilates’ original intention, and yes it may be a gentle yet effective form of stretching exercise,  it is so much more. It can really challenge and leave muscles sore in that ‘wow, I had a really good workout’ kind of way.   

Reformer Pilates is highly recommended for anyone struggling with stress, as you’re so focused on what you’re doing,  you’re incidentally being really mindful. You’re concentrating so much on correcting the positions, you don’t notice the time flying by.  It’s one of the few places my mind manages to switch off.

There’s just something so wonderful about Pilates that it makes you smile and gives you a great workout at the same time !

If the thought of a fit body tickles your fancy (who doesn’t want abs?) then please get in touch to see what I can do for you.

I look forward to seeing you on the Pilates Reformer! 

Angela Williams 

Certified Pilates Instructor